Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

3 Things You Should Always Carry With You

An emergency is a serious, unexpected and often times dangerous situation that in most cases requires immediate action on your part, action that can save your life or the life of others. Everyone hopes that he or she will react in the right way, and will know exactly what to do. However, knowing what action to take and having the necessary tools, or equipment to accomplish that action is another thing altogether.  I will give you my top three items you should always carry with you.  Let me know your top three items in the comments below.

1. Quality Knife and Multi Tool

A knife is one of the most versatile tools you can carry. It can be used for personal defense, extraction from a vehicle or building and can be used to make other tools.

In a wilderness survival situation, a quality knife will ensure you have a shelter, protection and food. You can make spears for fishing, hunting and self-defense. Your knife can also be used to help start a fire by creating a spark when struck against other steel or a hard stone.

Knives can be used for emergency extraction from buildings by cutting through dry wall and wood paneling. Keep a knife close in your vehicle to cut seatbelts or use the handle to smash window glass. Carry a multi-tool knife on your key chain, the tool blades can be used for many projects such as cutting wire, sawing through rope and wood and cutting plastic wrists restraints.

The file blade can be used to sharpen other tools to include knives and axes, and most multi-tools will have several screwdriver heads for emergency repairs to other tools and equipment.

Know the laws in your particular state or city on the legalities concerning carrying certain types of knives. In many cases, there will be a restriction on the blade length.

2. Communication devices

There are various ways to receive and transmit information today. In an emergency, you may need to receive emergency instructions/information and to transmit information as well. Most cell phones today allow you to receive information either through a web browser that connects to the Internet or through certain applications.

Use the camera on the phone to document an emergency or to pass relevant information to others. There have been reported cases where kidnap victims have been able to text to law enforcement or to families that they have been abducted.

Some cell phones have Global Positioning Systems (GPS) integrated into the system (or use an application) where rescue personnel can track you and in some cases, you can retrieve your longitude and latitude from the phone to give to rescue personnel. Use the GPS system to find your way if you do become lost. Know the longitude and latitude of your city or home and store the coordinates in your phone. Some cell phones have a flashlights built in or you can use the lighted screen as an illumination device.

Walkie-Talkies (two-way radio) can be carried in your car, kept in your office, purse, or clipped on your belt. You would have one device and the other would be at home where the device can be monitored or carried by a spouse/partner. In certain emergencies, the cell phone towers may be not be operational so a backup communication device is recommended.

3. Bandanas

You can carry other types of material (cloth) but bandanas are sized for various applications such as for slings to immobilize sprained or broken limbs. You can easily carry several in a purse, pocket or store in a glove compartment. Use a bandana as a compression bandage to stop bleeding by folding into a square and securing directly over the wound.

Bandanas can be used as an emergency water filter, and for carrying items. Wrap items in the bandana and leave enough of the ends free to tie together to form a handle and you have essentially made a small satchel for carrying water, food or other items.

Use your bandana, for head protection from the sun or cold winds and place around the neck to keep warm in cold weather. Wrap the material around your hands to protect the knuckles and hands if you have to break glass or handle sharp objects.

In certain situations, you can use a bandana to collect morning dew for hydration by absorbing the moisture off surfaces and squeezing the moisture into your mouth. Use a bandana to restrain the hands and feet of an individual. The uses for a bandana are only limited by your imagination.

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-SP